Overview

In 2018, Blockchain Technologies and its various applications are extending into the mainstream business community at an exponential rate. Governments, banks, insurance companies, technology start-ups and venture capital firms are all actively engaging in building new products and services on Blockchain technologies because the technology can work for almost every type of transaction involving value. Products such as smart contracts, financial agreements and cryptocurrencies are creating massive amounts of hype for Blockchain technologies. Any online product or service that requires a coded transaction is ripe for a Blockchain application.

In this program, you will be introduced to Blockchain Technologies as a concept and their vast applications. But what is a Blockchain Technology, and what makes it unique? A Blockchain is an online open ledger for anyone and everyone to see. This ledger has a serious level of encryption, through some sophisticated mathematics that makes it impossible to have its content altered. The most popularized example of a Blockchain technology product is Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer digital currency that has grown by a factor of 500% in 2017. But there are many other Blockchain applications, new products and services being built to capitalize on this new technology protocol. For starters, there are over 950 new cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Ethereum classic, Litecoin, Monero, Neo, Cordano and Eos, the list goes on. The applications for Blockchain technologies are limitless.

This program helps to meet the expanding needs of business and industry for professionals who can effectively utilize critical Blockchain Technology knowledge to add value to their businesses and future careers. According to PwC FinTech director Jeremy Drane, the number one issue facing the Blockchain industry is a lack of talent. An experienced Blockchain programmer can expect to earn $65,000 – $220,000 per year according to industry experts.

Who Should Enroll

This program is designed for professionals in a variety of industries and job functions who are looking to help their organization leverage Blockchain technologies. Specific job titles that would benefit from this program include: marketing, sales, business analysts, computer engineers, computer scientists, data scientists, researchers, and those professionals looking to broaden their skills in this high-demand field while leveraging their unique domain expertise.

Career Insight

Occupational summary for software developers and programmers in the United States.

Program Benefits

Learn from industry experts on what Blockchain Technology is, who is using it and why is it so revolutionary

Understand the mechanics behind Blockchain Technologies, how it works and what the future holds for Blockchain applications

Explain what kinds of technical applications, products and services are best suited to Blockchain Technologies

Understand Cryptocurrencies and the Crypto Ecosystem including Bitcoin and Ethereum

Determine related software technologies that are used to build Blockchain products and services

Learn methodologies and tools to apply Blockchain theories and use cases using a wide range of real data

Explain a variety of Blockchain applications, products and services and what makes them unique from other online products and services

Describe how a Blockchain works and functions

Understand common misconceptions, and challenges of Blockchain technologies

Understand what hardware is needed for Blockchain Technologies

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How will blockchain be a part of your future?

Course Schedule

Required Courses

Title

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

I&C SCI X471.37

Introduction to Blockchain Technologies (2 units)I&C SCI X471.37
Learn what a Blockchain is, what technologies power Blockchain applications, and how to apply this knowledge to yield measurable business value. Gain an overview of the applications of Blockchain, including decentralized currency, networks, and systems. The course will begin by providing the fundamentals of the Blockchain protocol: cryptographic hashes, decentralized ledger, mining, proof of stake vs proof of work. At the end of the course, participants will be able to explain how a Blockchain works and functions and apply this knowledge to navigate the current and future use cases of Blockchain Technologies. Students will also learn about careers working with Blockchain Technologies and what future business opportunities will result from this very new and expanding field.

Cryptocurrencies and TradingI&C SCI X471.38
In this course you will learn all there is to know about the major cryptocurrencies and their differences. What makes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins and the many different exchanges unique, and how to differentiate between the 900+ cryptocurrencies. Students will learn how to buy, sell, and exchange different currencies. Gain an overview of ICOs, upcoming regulations, and tax implications. At the end of the course, participants will be able to use these skills to produce their own cryptocurrency portfolio and trading strategy. Students will also learn about careers working with Blockchain Technologies and what future business opportunities will result from this very new and expanding field.

I&C SCI X471.39

Smart Contracts and Decentralized AppsI&C SCI X471.39
Learn what is a decentralized application, currency and system. What makes a decentralized system so valuable to the Blockchain ecosystem, and how does a decentralized system really operate? Smart contracts will be introduced and their vast variety of potential use cases will be explored. How do smart contracts function and what can they be applied to? Smart contracts can do more than automate aspects of a contract’s performance thanks to its technical underpinnings. The use cases for real estate, insurance and banking contracts is merely the beginning. The future of smart contracts will be introduced, including: Digital identity, Record automation, Securities, Trade and finance, Derivatives, Financial recording, Mortgages, Land title recording, Supply chain, Auto insurance, and Clinical trails.

to be scheduled

I&C SCI X471.57

Blockchain CodingI&C SCI X471.57
Deep diving into the technical, and let’s get down to the code level. It is a requirement that you have experience with some of the following programming languages: C++, Java, JavaScript and Python. Students will explore hashes, encryption, merkel tree and elliptic curves, establishing a technical foundation for understanding exactly how a Blockchain works technically. Students will learn about the mathematical trap doors and its importance in modern cryptography. The merkel tree and how it underlies Bitcoin will be studied as a case study and how to use private keys and more.

to be scheduled

Elective Courses

Introduction to Computer Programming Using C++ (3 units)I&C SCI X471.1
Learn the basics of computer programming using C++, a sophisticated programming language normally reserved for experienced users but now made accessible to new programmers in this fast-paced, hands-on course. In addition to introducing the language, this course also introduces the object-oriented paradigm, the modern approach to developing interactive software applications for a wide variety of uses. Topics include fundamental program structures, control structures, mathematical functions, data arrays, pointers, and dynamic memory. Because of the accelerated nature of this course, students are expected to allocate sufficient time outside of class to study the textbook and other materials provided in class. This course is designed for technical professionals with minimal programming experience and highly motivated individuals desiring to learn fundamental programming techniques.

Introduction to Programming with Python (2 units)I&C SCI X426.64
This hands-on course is specifically designed for students who have very little to no programming experience. In this courses participants will learn about variable types, flow control, and functions. This course will include how to write simple scripts to process text, plot data, interact with web services, and set up a web service. Participants will also learn how to use eclipse, a popular integrated development environment. Prerequisites: None.

JavaScript II (2 units)I&C SCI X471.04
This intermediate level coding course will cover advanced JavaScript concepts and how JavaScript provides the essential foundation for the Object-Oriented pattern. Students will be introduced to the jQuery library, one of the most popular libraries and learn how to do in-browser manipulation of the Document Object Model (DOM) and event handling. Students will get the opportunity to deep dive and explore JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), which is commonly used as a syntax to exchange data between code running on the server (i.e. in PHP) and code running in the browser (JavaScript/jQuery).
Prerequisites: I&C SCI X471.03 Introduction to Web Programming with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and React

Specialized Studies Award Requirements

A certificate is awarded upon completion of 12 credit units (8 required and 4 elective units) with a grade of “C” or higher in each course. All requirements must be completed within 5 years after the student enrolls in his/her first course. To receive your certificate, submit a Request for Certificate after completing all program requirements. Students not pursuing a certificate are welcome to take as many individual courses as they wish.

On-site Training Available

Our Corporate Training specialists can deliver this program or customize one that fits your organization’s specific needs. Visit Corporate Training or call (949) 824-1847 for information.

English Proficiency Requirement
All certificate programs at UCI Division of Continuing Education (classroom and online formats) require
professional-level English language proficiency in listening and note-taking, reading
comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation.